I've read that it isn't a good idea. I was wondering if it is that big of a deal because acrylic is cheap and I don't feel like wasting money on plugs when I'm going to stretch up and not be able to wear them any way.
Yes, I'm getting plugs. I only use tapers to stretch. I'm just weighing my options.
Brittany
Favorite Answer
It's not a good idea at all. If you're looking for a cheap way to stretch your lobes, I say don't do it at all. Stretching isn't cheap. If you're going to do it properly, you need proper jewelry. The best is stainless steel or titanium.
"Many piercers may not want to use it for fresh or healing piercings based on the lack of comparable medical usage, no ASTM implant specs, inconsistency from plastic to plastic, and the inability to sterilize without melting. This last one is, of course, crucial to fresh piercings!"
From BMEzine
julieisbest
No, acrylic tapers aren't appropriate for stretching. They shouldn't even sell them.
The reason is that - as someone has already mentioned - acrylic cannot be sterilized in an autoclave. It would melt. And because acrylic is so porous there is nothing you can really do to get it well and truly sterile.
Your best bets for stretching are always surgical steel and titanium but you can also use silicone jewelry and glass. Both of those materials can be put through an autoclave. They are non-porous materials so they are easier to sterilize.
Good luck!
rogue6
yea iv heard that it isn't a good idea but metal plugs cost more so i used mostly acrylic all the way up til i was at a 0 then i switched to silicone.
im at 1/2" now and i haven't had any problems
and imo metal plugs smell really really bad compared to both acrylic and silicone plugs
Jordan
I went from the normal pierced hole to a 00 in 2 weeks no problem with acrylics.
I also didn't want to waste money.
Try ebay
I did it all for 30 bucks :)
xcalleyxeatsxhearts
Get plugs, dammit!
Anything else is incredibly stupid.